NBA free agency: Latest buzz, rumors

Carmelo Anthony is reportedly close to deciding whether he will return to New York or play elsewhere

With NBA free agency under way, the rumor mill is churning at high speed. Which teams are looking to swing deals? Which free agents are eyeing new teams? Here are the latest news and reports:

1 a.m. ET

Heat president Riley confident Big 3 will be back. USA Today Sports: “This much is clear: Riley is confident James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade will return, according to people who have had phone conversations with Riley in the last week. The people spoke to USA TODAY Sports under the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the conversations.”​

Knicks feeling uneasy about Melo

Vibe I get out of New York, meanwhile, is legitimate unease ... given that some in the organization expected a decision from Melo by Monday

Report: Knicks president Phil Jackson has contacted 76ers about trading Amare Stoudemire's expiring contract; potential deal could involve Shumpert. New York Post: “Knicks president Phil Jackson is still trying to clear this year’s payroll and has looked at avenues to try and trade Amar’e Stoudemire’s expiring contract, already having contacted the obvious team, the 76ers.”​

Big-name free agents not interested in taking pay cuts to join Big 3 in Miami. Fox Sports Ohio: “That said, it is believed bigger name free agents such as Paul Gasol (Lakers), Trevor Ariza (Wizards) and Luol ​Deng (Cavs) are not interested in the reduced salaries the Heat are offering, just to possibly play alongside James,Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.”​

Report: Houston Bosh's top choice if he leaves Miami. Yahoo Sports: "Houston has emerged as Bosh's top choice, should he leave the Heat, sources told Yahoo Sports. The circumstances make the Rockets a natural fit for him. Bosh can play the power forward spot alongside All-Star center "Dwight Howard. He can get a maximum contract deal starting in the $20 million range annually. And he can compete for a championship in his home state of Texas, where a partnership with Howard, James Harden and restricted free agent Chandler Parsons makes the Rockets a most formidable threat in the Western Conference.​"

Pierce seeking two-year deal worth $9-10 million per

Paul Pierce's representatives have told teams Pierce is seeking a two-year contract in the $9-10 million per year range, per sources.

10 a.m. ET

Report: LeBron James warming up to idea of joining Cavaliers? ESPN: “There has yet to be a firm indication that James actually is ready to leave Miami after four years and two championships with the Heat, but sources told ESPN.com that the four-time MVP is increasingly considering the Cavaliers as an option as he moves into the final stages of deciding which team to sign his next contract with.”​

Carmelo's decision not expected to be delayed late into week

After contemplating his options this weekend,free agent Carmelo Anthony's decision isn't expected to linger late into the week,a source said

Lakers, Mavericks have shown interest in Lance Stephenson. ESPN: "“Stephenson has drawn interest from the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers, though both teams have other free agents prioritized above Stephenson, according to sources.”

Rockets intensifying pursuit of Chris Bosh. ESPN: “The Houston Rockets have ramped up their pursuit of Chris Bosh and are, in the words of one source, "heavily engaged" in trying to convince the All-Star power forward to leave the Miami Heat in free agency.”

Pierce wants to play at least two more seasons, still considering Nets

Nets FA Paul Pierce wants to play at least 2 more seasons, likes the way his body is holding up & is still very high on Nets, a source said.

Mavericks targeting Parsons, Deng, Ariza. ESPN: “Dallas, believing it will likely lose out on both LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, will attempt to sign Chandler Parsons away from the Houston Rockets. The Mavericks also have Luol Deng and Trevor Ariza in their sights, sources said.”​

Bosh yet to talk directly to Houston

Chris Bosh still hasn't taken step of talking directly with Rockets, sources tell Yahoo Sports. If he does, things could change fast here.